Digital Video Format and IEEE 1394

The Canon Optura 100MC is a digital video camcorder, using the standard MiniDV cassette; it produces the highest quality video possible from non-broadcast equipment. The MiniDV format standard delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This is about a 25% improvement in picture quality over the best analog formats. On top of that, because it records both video and audio as digital data, this information can be transferred -- without any loss of picture or audio quality -- to computer for editing, then transferred back to DV tape, without a reduction in either picture or audio quality. All of this is through the use of the IEEE 1394 protocol commonly known as FireWire®.

DV Format Technology and Advantages

This format is based on a robust videotape formulation, a sophisticated and computer-based data capture system, the ability to allow the high-speed transfer of data from camcorder to tape, and a standard data structuring system. The MiniDV format makes professional quality video affordable.

Better picture quality than analog, sharper images and better color reproduction: that's what digital video is all about! Digital recordings are almost immune to signal problems, and result in the highest quality picture and audio. This is a major advantage over analog. Digital is the language of computers, which easily store and transfer data without distortion. It is exactly the same with digital video. Digital copies of digital videos are indistinguishable from the original, which makes editing and image manipulation so much easier and with higher quality than that delivered by analog video technology.

The tape formulation is designed to last longer and even withstand repeated use without failure, which virtually eliminates dropouts while delivering higher output and less noise.

Digital video has approximately twice the horizontal resolution of a standard VHS videocassette recorder. The resolution of a DV standard image is about 25% better than that from an S-VHS or Hi8 camcorder or deck. While resolution is dependent on a product's components and circuitry, standard VHS and 8 mm video are capable of delivering about 250 lines of horizontal resolution with S-VHS and Hi8 at about 400 - 420 lines. The DV format is capable of delivering more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, with actual performance depending on the individual camcorder model. Another way to look at it is that an NTSC digital video signal contains three times the data of its analog counterpart; a PAL digital video signal contains six times the data of its analog counterpart.

Color resolution (or rendition) can be a problem for analog video, producing color blur and color noise. Digital video does not have this problem, delivering a far more lifelike video image on the screen. What you will see is much sharper subject edges and clearer color reproduction.

The MiniDV standard ensures that audio quality matches that of an audio CD or digital audio tape (DAT). The audio portion of the digital video signal is recorded digitally. The digital video standard includes Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) audio recording, delivering more than the normal, natural range of sound audible to humans without both distortion and noise.

All digital video equipment also have the analog video outputs (either S-video and/or composite video) found on current analog equipment so you can play a digital video on a regular TV, or transfer a digital video onto an analog VCR. If you record using a digital video camcorder, you can then copy the video onto VHS or Super-VHS tapes, 8mm or Hi8 tapes, or any of the broadcast formats such as 3/4-inch or Betacam if they have the appropriate input connectors.

IEEE 1394 Input and Output Terminal

The Optura 100MC is designed for the transfer of digital video and audio to and from either a PC or another IEEE 1394 terminal-equipped camcorder or professional DV VCR. The DV terminal allows high-quality transfer with virtually no deterioration in quality of images. You can edit and process images by connecting the camera to a PC with the IEEE 1394 terminal.